Love Boston? And Harpoon.

I think it's safe to say I've been falling more in love with this city every passing spring day.

There I said it. I never thought I would but in all seriousness, there is just so much to do. Granted my roommate situation wasn't the best outcome of Boston, I'm going to be sad to leave this city. I've made great friends and have been able to do something I have always dreamed of...live in a city. I'll be back in the Fall, but with this semester slowly coming to a close I can't believe how fast it's gone. There is nothing better than a warm day here either. You just walk outside and you're surrounded by some of the prettiest buildings and the nicest scenery.

And I finally got to do something I've been wanting to do for a while: go to Harpoon Brewery.

I haven't been to Sam Adams yet but Harpoon was wonderful. It's $5 admission. You wait on line to buy your ticket and you can buy a beer while doing so. We got there around 11:20 on a Saturday and weren't able to get a tour until 12:40. That's fine though because we were able to order their delicious pretzels with some of the best dipping sauces I have ever tried. Peanut butter, IPA cheese and a cream cheese frosting one to name a few. Once we got in we went through a 20 minute speech about how beer is made. Then the good stuff. We got to sample as many beers as we wanted from this tap in the picture below. I love me some beer and was more than satisfied afterward.

This was followed by a warehouse of beer. So. Much. Beer. Literally. To the ceiling...probably near 50,000 cases.

Aside from that, the area around the brewery is gorgeous. Right on the water and there's a plethora of restaurants to go to afterward. We decided on Jerry Remy, which has a perfect view of the water and outdoor seating for those gorgeous summer days. Times like that I wish I was staying here this summer. But then again, NYC is pretty exciting too.

-A

My heart is with Boston

I thought that today would go absolutely differently than it ended up. Marathon Monday. Patriot's Day. Everyone hyped it up and I was so excited. But my mind really cannot comprehend what some people are capable of. My heart goes out to anyone and everyone affected by the explosions. No one should have to be put through this. You think you go out there to run a marathon--a feat in its own. And then something like this happens. I just cannot comprehend this and I thank god everyone I know is okay and safe.

Stay safe Boston. My heart is with you. And I just hope that whoever had the nerve to do such a thing gets what he deserves.

Boston food trucks

Roxy's Grilled Cheese. 

I decided I need to go on a food truck binge. Not in the sense that I'm going to go food truck to food truck - just that I want to try as many as I possibly can while I'm exploring Boston. Just because this city just has so many good ones to offer. Recently I tried out Roxy's, which was on the Great Food Truck Race on Food Network and won third place. Accordingly, I was going to see exactly what the fuss was about.

So. Good.

They had a small menu of grilled cheese sandwiches and all of them sounded just as good. My boyfriend got the Green Muenster Melt and I got the Caprese one. I recommend the first: muenster cheese, guacamole, and bacon. Can you say yum overload? Seriously. The picture you see above is the one I got. Basil, tomato, mozzarella, basil and balsamic. If you're feeling ballsy you can add truffle fries. I sort of really wish I did.

Anyway, this beautiful weather this past week inspired my food truck post. So, here's a list of the food trucks I've tried, ranked from my favorite down. And I've enjoyed all of them.

1. Bon Me: their noodle salad is possibly the best thing to ever happen to dinner.
2. Roxy's Grilled Cheese: as I said, grilled cheese. Need I say more?
3. Clover: Never had their breakfast, but their chickpea fritter is so good.
4. Mei Mei: The Double Awesome...is awesome. It's definitely messy and a little bit greasy though. Perfect hangover food if you ask me.
5. The Dining Car: I've only ever had the chicken sandwich. It's good, but it's definitely not the best food truck there. The curried lentil soup does sound (and smell) really good though!

That's my list. Any suggestions, additions? I'd love to hear!

Boston's growing on me...

-A.

Happy April!

Spring is FINALLY in the air after a long, seemingly never-ending winter. This weekend made me fall in love with Boston again. Just being able to walk out of my apartment and go for a run and it be absolutely gorgeous is so motivating. The only thing that could possibly make it better is if I had a dog to come along on my run - but hey, can't win them all! AND with that being said, baseball season is officially on! Although my Yankees lost to none other than the stupid Red Sox today I'm so excited for ballparks, hotdogs and overall fun of baseball games :)

To celebrate it finally being April, and because I'm finally getting back into the running spirit (three runs this past week is overachieving for me...but I'm going to keep that as my goal), here's a list of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Boston this month.

1. Explore someplace new by going for a run! If you're not into running, then okay, walk! There's no reason to be hopped inside anymore. Vitamin D is calling your name. My personal favorite is running around The Reservoir by Cleveland Circle. It's so pretty - especially around sunset. And the sound of the water hitting the "shore" is exceptionally relaxing.
2. Go to a park! Boston Common is gorgeous this time of year. I know it's April and for most of us that means the semester is about to get crazy stressful, but it's so much more fun doing homework outside if a computer isn't something you need. If you're lucky enough to have a patio, that's also always an option.
3. The return of spring and warm weather means outdoor patios are soon to return! What's better than hanging out with your friends at a bar? Hanging out with your friends on a beer garden patio. Also, there's not much better than enjoying a nice lunch outdoors. How I've missed that...
4. Instead of taking the T, try walking. It's a great way to stay fit. Imagine all the exercise you get by walking home (if that's an option) rather than being on a crowded train.
5. Okay, so it's not beach weather yet. But why not take a weekend trip to Providence or Newport and walk on the beach? It's a fairly cheap roundtrip Amtrak fare and it'll be a complete change of scenery.

After today's beautiful day...and subsequent rain/thunder storm it's safe to say I'm in love with springtime.

Disclaimer: Photo not mine. Credit goes to: jeffgunn